Development and characterization of a hydrogel-based adhesive patch for sealing open-globe injuries.

Full-thickness wounds to the eye can lead to serious vision impairment. Current standards of care (from suturing to tissue transplantation) usually require highly skilled surgeons and use of an operating theater. In this study, we report the synthesis, optimization, and in vitro and ex vivo testing of photocrosslinkable hydrogel-based adhesive patches that can easily be applied to globe injuries or corneal incisions.

Growth factor-eluting hydrogels for management of corneal defects.

With 1.5-2.0 million new cases annually worldwide, corneal injury represents a common cause of vision loss, often from irreversible scarring due to surface corneal defects.